MaltaPost and Plaza hit new highs

Eleven equities were active today with the MSE Share Index edging 0.1% higher to end the week at 3,340.478 points (-0.23%). The main highlight of the day was the new 2010 highs reached by MaltaPost plc and Plaza Centres plc.

After trading for almost a month at the €0.90 level, the share price of the postal operator gained 2.2% this morning to €0.92 – its highest level since March 2008. Two trades totalling 4,137 shares were transacted today with further bids at the closing price and no offers in sight. Meanwhile a single trade of 5,400 Plaza shares was executed at €1.70, representing a 0.9% increase from the previous close and the highest level since May 2009.

Meanwhile the two large banks put in mixed performances. HSBC Bank Malta plc edged 0.9% lower to €2.77 across 4,000 shares, ending this week 1% lower. Bank of Valletta plc’s share price rose by €0.01 for the third successive session to close at €3.24 – unchanged over the week.

GO plc also edged €0.01 higher for the third time this week to regain the €1.87 level across 6,000 shares. On the other hand, International Hotel Investments plc traded unchanged at the €0.80 level on a single trade of 4,500 shares. Malta International Airport plc maintained the €1.60 level on volumes of 7,000 shares to rank as the week’s best performing equity with a 2.7% gain.

On the other hand, the share price of Simonds Farsons Cisk plc declined by 1.7% to €1.72 on volumes of 5,740 shares.

Crimsonwing plc partially recovered from last Wednesday’s 16.7% loss as the equity rose 8.6% to the €0.38 level on volumes of over 16,000 shares. Despite today’s recovery the equity of the IT services company still ranks as the worst performer during the last five sessions with a 9.5% drop.

Malta Government Stock prices continued to decline in as the benchmark 10-year Eurozone yield reached the 2.47% level. The 4.6% MGS 2020 (II) ended the week 90 basis points lower at 105.25%.

The pre-placement stage of FIMBank’s bond issue was held this morning. Any investor wishing to apply for these bonds can now participate in the general public offering which will open next Monday 25 October. Further details available at https://rizzofarrugia.com/news-events/2010/details-of-new-bond-issue-6/.